Our History

Celebrating Over 50 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education

Among the great reformers of the troubled sixteenth century was Charles Borromeo, who was born on October 2, 1538 into a noble Italian family. An excellent student, Charles accepted responsibility and became a good example to others. When his uncle was elected head of the church as Pope Pius IV, Charles became a leading figure at the papal court in Rome. He displayed great energy, ability and diplomacy in fulfilling the various duties assigned to him, especially during the Council of Trent when it was reconvened. He became Bishop of Milan in 1563. He founded the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, set up Sunday Schools for teaching Religion, established schools, seminaries and convents, worked to reform the priesthood and helped the sick and the hungry. He died on November 4, 1584 and was canonized by Paul V on November 1, 1610.

St. Charles Parish was originally a mission of St. Patrick's Parish in Richmondtown. The church site on Mill Road was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Cusack and dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo in memory of their son, Charles, who was killed in World War I. A large influx of people into the Oakwood area changed the status of St. Charles to that of a separate parish. This happened in May, 1960 with the appointment of Reverend John Manning as the first pastor. Father Manning served until September, 1961. The Reverend John A. McGowan became pastor in 1961 and remained at St. Charles until his death in 1965. In 1966, Reverend Monsignor Robert Kelly followed as pastor and remained as Pastor Emeritus to assist Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Gaffney-the 4th pastor of St. Charles Parish (1982-2004). Currently (and since 2004), Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Bergin serves as pastor. Monsignor Bergin is well-experienced in the field of education. He is a driving force for some of our recent instructional advances and endeavors. September 1963 marked the formal beginning of St. Charles School. For the first year classes were held in Monsignor Farrell High School. The present school building was opened to 336 students in Grades 1 to 5 on September 14, 1964. The new church and gymnasium were added in 1973, and the gymnasium extension occurred in 1977. Our Kindergarten wing was opened in September, 1992.

Through the years, St. Charles School has been staffed by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York and a lay faculty. The first principal was Sister Marie Antoinette, O.P. who served from 1963 to 1968. She was succeeded by Sister Louis Marie, O.P. (1968-1975). Sister Jeanine, O.P. served as principal from 1975 to 2005. During her tenure the Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Computer programs, Middle States Accreditation, and Alumni Development were initiated. Mrs. Nancy Bushman served from 2005-2013. Under Mrs. Bushman, a Science Lab and the Villamarin Math and Science Academy as an after-school enrichment program was instituted. Mr. JC Kiernan is the current principal. Mr. Kiernan comes to St. Charles from Monsignor Farrell High School where he taught English for seven years and from St. Adalbert School where he served as Assistant Principal. Since his arrival, Mr. Kiernan has brought Title I services, Occupational Therapy, and Speech to St. Charles. He has also created a new school website, created a parent-school e-mail system, helped to plan the repainting of the school yard, and brought a hot lunch program, catered by Nucci's Restaurant, to the cafeteria.

During the summer of 2015, the Saint Charles family welcomes our 6th pastor, Rev. Louis Jerome. We look forward to many years of spiritual growth and guidance under the leadership of Father Jerome.